Physical Fitness

For Students

Nimnicht Fitness Center

Our newly redesigned Nimnicht Fitness Center offers a wide variety of group exercise classes, including yoga, zumba, boot camp, and indoor cycling, in addition to all of our state-of-the-art exercise machines available for personal use. Our friendly staff is always there to help meet individual goals. Both students and faculty enjoy free access to this upgraded facility featuring beautiful views of our campus--an inviting atmosphere for both physical and mental wellness.

JU Dolphins playing beach volleyball

Athletics

Jacksonville University has a thriving Athletics program that is composed of 18 NCAA Division-1 sports with almost 500 student-athletes on the JU campus. University athletes compete in football; men and women’s basketball; men and women’s lacrosse; men and women’s cross country; mean and women’s golf; men and women’s rowing; men and women’s soccer; women’s beach volleyball; and women’s track and field. All of the teams accept for Football and Men’s Lacrosse compete in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Football competes in the FCS’ Pioneer League and the Men’s Lacrosse team competes in the MAAC. Our athletes play an important role in the campus experience of their fellow students and the community. For more information on our Athletics Program, go to www.judolphins.com.

Varsity Sports

Sailing Team

With its home waters on the beautiful St. Johns River, our Jacksonville University Sailing Team is a rapidly growing organization. Operating under the Division of Student Life, the JU Sailing Team is made up of new and experienced sailors, acting both as a competitive racing team and a recreational club. Beginning in 2012, it became the first collegiate varsity sailing team in northeast Florida.

Sporting Clays, Skeet and Trap Team

The Jacksonville University Sporting Clays, Skeet and Trap (JUSST) team was founded by Program Director and Head Coach David T. Dobson in 2009. Since that time, JUSST has earned the proud distinction of being a five-time ACUI National Champion, officially attaining its status as a JU varsity team in 2011.

JU Running Club

JU’s Kinesiology department, in collaboration with the largest running club in Jacksonville, Personal Running Solutions (PRS), hosts two weekly track sessions here on the JU campus. More than 20 runners participate each week. Led by Elite PRS coach Paul McRae, the club also features:

  • Encouragement and mentorship of participants by JU track team members, CC runners, and Kinesiology students
  • 1.5 - 4 miles of track running toward your goal race pace
  • Combinations of 400m, 800m and 1200m runs with 1-2 minutes rest in between
  • Designed for runners of all levels
  • Participation in the Kinesiology department’s biomechanics research studies

A bike outside of GoodingJ Bike: Bike Share Program

Jacksonville University is expanding its academic programs, its geographic footprint, and its student population. This growth has brought about a need to develop new concepts for student transportation around campus. Students from multiple disciplines formed a team to devise an eco-friendly, health conscious and budget-minded solution. Launching in Spring 2017, JU’s flagship bike share program, or "J Bike," has been designed with students in mind, and will soon be implemented and maintained by students. J Bike. For students. By students.

Student Clubs & Organizations

Jacksonville University provides ongoing opportunities for students to join any number of campus organizations with student wellness goals. JU houses more than 100 clubs and organizations for students, each one easily searchable online with Check I’m Here. One-stop-shopping allows you to do everything from exploring upcoming events to finding an organization that best fits you. Greek Life, faith-based groups, support for student majors and degree program, and local chapters of multiple national organizations are just a few of the many club options.

Ziplining at HomecomingOuting Club

Promoting interest in outdoor activities and providing opportunities to participate in those activities is the goal of JU’s Outing Club. Through a variety of outdoor experiences, club members learn self-reliance, leadership skills, respect for themselves and others, and a sense of responsibility. Members can choose to participate in hiking, backpacking, kayaking, canoeing, white water rafting, sailing, mountain biking, or mountaineering, to name a few club favorites. As this student organization builds a strong tradition of providing memorable experiences, they also hope to instill a lifelong passion for the great outdoors, as well as help develop skills that will define the Dolphin experience.

Intramurals

​Jacksonville University is proud to offer JU students, faculty and staff the opportunity to compete in individual and team sports throughout the academic year.

Intramural sports are geared towards both beginners to the most advanced players and provides everyone with the chance to participate in a healthy, active, fun and competitive league or tournament. Options range from traditional sports, such a flag football, basketball and soccer, to the non-traditional sports of Ultimate Frisbee, Quidditch and Capture the Flag.

Intramurals offers a great opportunity to compete with friends and meet other students. Four different leagues and tournaments are offered per semester.

Student Fitness Challenges

Recreation and Operations works in partnership with Kinesiology to host the Student Fitness Challenges each semester. These challenges are designed for students to complete various body weight exercises in a certain amount of time.

A runner with cheerleaders at the River House RunRiver House Run

The River House Run is a fun part of the annual kick off for JU’s Homecoming and Family Weekend. This high-energy 5k through the beautiful JU campus is the perfect way for participants to soak up views of the St. Johns River, admire historic oak trees in the heart of campus, complete a fast lap on the JU track, and finish with the ever-popular “River House Post-Race Party.” Custom finisher medals, T-Shirts, refreshments, entertainment and other awards available.

First Coast Heart Walk

The American Heart Association (AHA) is the largest, voluntary health organization dedicated to defeating heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Hosting its annual First Coast Heart Walk, the AHA offers a three-mile route that starts at Metropolitan Park. Jacksonville University’s women's basketball team is one of many local organizations who participate in setup and production of this much-anticipated community event.

For Faculty & Staff

Nimnicht Fitness Center

Our newly redesigned Nimnicht Fitness Center offers a wide variety of group exercise classes, including yoga, zumba, boot camp, and indoor cycling, in addition to all of our state-of-the-art exercise machines available for personal use. Our friendly staff is always there to help meet individual goals. Both students and faculty enjoy free access to this upgraded facility featuring beautiful views of our campus--an inviting atmosphere for both physical and mental wellness.

Intramurals

​Jacksonville University is proud to offer JU students, faculty and staff the opportunity to compete in individual and team sports throughout the academic year.

Intramural sports are geared towards both beginners to the most advanced players and provides everyone with the chance to participate in a healthy, active, fun and competitive league or tournament. Options range from traditional sports, such a flag football, basketball and soccer, to the non-traditional sports of Ultimate Frisbee, Quidditch and Capture the Flag.

Intramurals offers a great opportunity to compete with friends and meet other students. Four different leagues and tournaments are offered per semester.

Employee Wellness Programs

Jacksonville University has an active wellness program for our faculty and staff, directed by the Wellness Committee. It includes Monthly Wellness Sessions with outside speakers in areas of interest such as exercise, healthy eating, stress management, emotional well-being, diabetes management, valuing diversity in the workplace, and more. Speakers have included physicians from Mayo Clinic and other professionals in the wellness community.

Annual Health Fair

The Annual Health Fair is sponsored by Florida Blue which includes a free health screening for faculty and staff and counseling by a health coach. Employees receive a reward for attending the health fair. Attendance at this event has increased every year, with over 178 participants in 2016. In 2017, we will expand our program to include additional program delivery methods (group events/races and coaching), walking groups, conducting a needs and interest survey, and developing a formal Operating Plan. The Wellness Committee will expand to include a cross-section of faculty and staff.

A runner with cheerleaders at the River House RunRiver House Run

The River House Run is a fun part of the annual kick off for JU’s Homecoming and Family Weekend. This high-energy 5k through the beautiful JU campus is the perfect way for participants to soak up views of the St. Johns River, admire historic oak trees in the heart of campus, complete a fast lap on the JU track, and finish with the ever-popular “River House Post-Race Party.” Custom finisher medals, T-Shirts, refreshments, entertainment and other awards available.

First Coast Heart Walk

The American Heart Association (AHA) is the largest, voluntary health organization dedicated to defeating heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Hosting its annual First Coast Heart Walk, the AHA offers a three-mile route that starts at Metropolitan Park. Jacksonville University’s women's basketball team is one of many local organizations who participate in setup and production of this much-anticipated community event.

For the Community

A runner with cheerleaders at the River House RunRiver House Run

The River House Run is a fun part of the annual kick off for JU’s Homecoming and Family Weekend. This high-energy 5k through the beautiful JU campus is the perfect way for participants to soak up views of the St. Johns River, admire historic oak trees in the heart of campus, complete a fast lap on the JU track, and finish with the ever-popular “River House Post-Race Party.” Custom finisher medals, T-Shirts, refreshments, entertainment and other awards available.

First Coast Heart Walk

The American Heart Association (AHA) is the largest, voluntary health organization dedicated to defeating heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Hosting its annual First Coast Heart Walk, the AHA offers a three-mile route that starts at Metropolitan Park. Jacksonville University’s women's basketball team is one of many local organizations who participate in setup and production of this much-anticipated community event.